B/R CFB 250: Top 24 Defensive Ends
Bleacher Report's CFB 250 is an annual ranking of the best players in college football, regardless of NFL potential. Through interviews with B/R Experts Matt Miller, Michael Felder, Barrett Sallee andAdam Kramer, authors Brian Leigh and Brian Pedersen have studied, ranked and graded the top athletes in the country, narrowed that list to 250 and sorted by position. Today, we present the Top Defensive Ends.
Other CFB 250 Positions
There's a ton of continuity at defensive end this college football season.
Nine of the top 20 players return from last year's CFB 250, including five members of the top 10. That is a big percentage considering how loaded defensive end was last season, when we called it "the deepest, most talented position in college football."
Scarier still is the youth at the spot, as the top three names on this list include a junior and two true sophomores.
It's a good time to be an edge-rusher.
But before we dig into that, a disclaimer: We graded the linemen who follow as college prospects, not as NFL prospects.
Targeted skills such as run defense are important at both levels, but there is a difference between college run defense and professional run defense. If a lineman can set the edge and make plays in the SEC or Big 12, it doesn't matter if he can do so in the NFC North. At least not here it doesn't.
This is all about college performance.
Note: If two players finished with the same grade, a subjective call was made based on whom we would rather have on our team right now. Also, all recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings.
25-19. Mouhon, Turay, Yarbrough, Lawson, Haynes, Reed, Lawson
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25. Silverberry Mouhon, Cincinnati
Pass Rush: 40/50; Run Defense: 31/40; Motor: 8/10.
Silverberry Mouhon is an undersized (6'3", 255 lbs) but tenacious edge-rusher. He moves like an outside linebacker—which might be where his NFL future lies—but works his tail off when he plays with his hand down. His production dropped from 9.5 sacks in 2013 to four sacks last season, which is something to keep an eye on. But he still shows plenty of positive traits on tape.
24. Kemoko Turay, Rutgers
Pass Rush: 41/50; Run Defense: 30/40; Motor: 8/10.
Kemoko Turay emerged from nowhere to finish with 7.5 sacks as a freshman in 2014. Only two of those sacks came after October 4, which makes it seem as though opponents caught up with him. But those late-season sacks came against a great pair of offensive lines (Indiana and Wisconsin). He needs to develop more technical skills, but his long frame (6'6", 240 lbs) and athleticism make him dangerous. Bonus points for rocking the flat-top.
23. Eddie Yarbrough, Wyoming
Pass Rush: 40/50; Run Defense: 32/40; Motor: 8/10.
Eddie Yarbrough is this year's lovable Mountain West lineman, following the track laid by Nevada's Brock Hekking last season. His ukulele skills have made him a fan favorite off the field, but not as much as his 18.5 career sacks and 28.5 career tackles for loss have made him a fan favorite on the field. He has good size for a 4-3 end (6'3", 251 lbs) and should continue to produce for Wyoming as it enters Year 2 under head coach Craig Bohl.
22. Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Pass Rush: 41/50; Run Defense: 32/40; Motor: 8/10.
Shaq Lawson flew below the radar on a defense with so many great linemen. This year Clemson loses roughly everybody, chief among them Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett, but Lawson stuck around to pick up the slack. He was stellar in a reserve role and has the size (6'3", 275 lbs) and mindset to dominate against the run. It didn't hurt that he played with such great mentors.
21. Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Pass Rush: 43/50; Run Defense: 31/40; Motor: 8/10.
Sophomore Marquis Haynes is already one of the SEC's best pass-rushers. He posted 7.5 sacks last season and finished second in the conference with 72 sack yards. He's slight (6'3", 220 lbs) and doesn't do much against the run, but his quickness off the edge makes him a nuisance on obvious passing downs.
20. Jarran Reed, Alabama
Pass Rush: 38/50; Run Defense: 37/40; Motor: 8/10.
Jarran Reed made an impact last season in his first year at Alabama from junior college. He improved as the season went on and used his thick frame (6'4", 313 lbs) to clog gaps and holes. Playing next to nose guard A'Shawn Robinson, he helped shut down an entire two-thirds of the line in run defense. The third member of Alabama's defensive front appears later on this list as well.
19. Carl Lawson, Auburn
Pass Rush: 44/50; Run Defense: 32/40; Motor: 7/10.
Carl Lawson tore his ACL last summer and missed his entire sophomore season. The injury was such a shame, because he'd really turned the corner at the end of his freshman year. When healthy, he's a squat (6'2", 257 lbs) but athletic edge-rusher who fits at "Buck" linebacker in Will Muschamp's defense (the position Dante Fowler Jr. played at Florida). We just need to see more production before we can rank him any higher on pure potential.
18. Drew Ott, Iowa
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's a prototypical 3-4 defensive end, but Iowa plays a lot of 4-3 stuff. So he's a big 4-3 defensive end. But he shows some versatility for someone his size."
-Michael Felder
Pass Rush
Drew Ott recorded 7.5 sacks last season, although he faded down the stretch with zero sacks or QB hurries in his final five games. He has good power moves and deceptive (but not great) quickness on the edge. He's a big dude (6'4", 272 lbs) who occupies space and enables teammates to make plays around him. He'll never post a 15-sack season but will always make his fair share of plays.
Run Defense
Ott excels at setting the edge and forcing runners off their paths. Like Felder said, he is a 3-4 end stuck in a 4-3 system. Despite his size, however, he has 107 tackles over the past two seasons. His instincts for diagnosing runs, adjusting to what he sees and then finishing plays make him valuable in run support.
Motor
Ott plays with the high motor that typifies Iowa linemen. He is relentless in pursuit of the ball-carrier, and his energy is contagious. He loses points for fading down the stretch last season, when it seemed as if he burned himself out. With a leaner physique and better conditioning, this score could rise to a nine or 10.
Overall
Iowa loses a pair of great defensive tackles (Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat) and will thus rely on Ott even more this season. He already does a lot for his teammates, but now he must do more for himself. He's prepping for the new role by eating raw eggs—shell included—like the good ol' farm boy he is. That doesn't really matter for his scouting report…but how could we not mention it?
17. Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA
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B/R Expert Scouting
“He’s big and will occupy blockers to keep (inside linebacker) Myles Jack from being blocked. His numbers may not reflect it, but he’s one of the main reasons this defense will be strong.”
—Michael Felder
Pass Rush
Eddie Vanderdoes does not post huge numbers. In two years, he has only 2.5 sacks. But he does eat up opposing guards and tackles, which allows outside linebackers such as Deon Hollins to rush the quarterback. He plays a passive role in UCLA’s pass rush but plays it well.
Run Defense
Again, Vanderdoes’ numbers undersell his impact. With the frame of a defensive tackle (6’5”, 305 lbs) and a willingness to play physically, he occupies blockers and creates tackling lanes for his linebackers. He also has deceptive quickness for a man his size and can shoot past lead-footed tackles to make plays for himself.
Motor
The first two sections made excuses for Vanderdoes’ numbers. This last section does not. He’s played better than he looks on paper, but there are still bouts of inconsistent effort. At times Big Eddie looks like the 5-star recruit he was billed as; at other times he drifts and disappears. If he shows up on a weekly basis, there’s no telling what kind of impact he could have.
Overall
Vanderdoes is a massive 3-4 defensive end who would probably play inside if not for UCLA's having one of the best nose tackles in America (Kenny Clark). But even though he's out of position, he gives the Bruins defense an identity—leaving people thinking, "man, these guys are huge"—and moves better than any 300-pounder should. No one would be surprised if he enjoys a breakout season.
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16. Charles Tapper, Oklahoma
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B/R Expert Scouting
"At times I thought he was the best defensive lineman at Oklahoma last year. I know a lot of people like Jordan Phillips, but Tapper is just so quick at getting his hands beneath blockers, and he counters things well. He's a smarter player than Phillips was."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Charles Tapper isn't much of a pass-rusher. He recorded just three sacks last season and lacks ideal quickness and burst. But he still plays a role in Oklahoma's pass rush—which is one of the best in the country—by holding his assignments on the edge. The Sooners don't ask him to load up on sacks, which contributes to his lack of production. In a 3-4 defense such as Oklahoma's, the best ends free up space for the linebackers.
Run Defense
Tapper has a big, strong frame (6'2", 282 lbs) and wears his weight well. He's a space-eater who clogs gaps in the running game and moves offensive linemen where he wants. He gets a strong initial push off the line and disrupts plays from their intended course, though he doesn't have the speed to make enough plays on his own.
Motor
Tapper is a hard worker who accomplishes the little things in the trenches. Nothing he does looks sexy, but he's willing to pin his ears back, stick his hand in the dirt and fight a group of 300-pounders through the whistle. Oklahoma benefits from his motor in both tangible (production) and intangible (inspirational) ways.
Overall
When evaluating Tapper, it's important to look past the numbers. On paper it seems like he went from a decent sophomore season to a below-average junior year. In reality, however, he was great in 2013 and just as good last season; he's just not the type whose work shows up in the box score.
15. Jonathan Bullard, Florida
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Versatile. They play him all over the line, depending on the situation. He's a big guy and he's really good against the run, which I think makes him underrated because sacks are sexier. But he knows he needs to work on that."
—Barrett Sallee
Pass Rush
Jonathan Bullard recorded 1.5 sacks in 2012 and 2013 before improving to 2.5 last season. Despite playing primarily at defensive end, he has rushed like more of a defensive tackle, using size (6'3", 271 lbs) and power instead of speed on the edge. He'll never post huge sack numbers but is quick enough to beat guards and centers when he rushes from the inside, which collapses the pocket and makes things easier for the rest of the defense.
Run Defense
You won't find many 4-3 ends who destroy opposing running games like Bullard. He wins with leverage and strength on the outside, driving tackles off their marks and setting the edge wherever he wants. He finished last season with 52 tackles and six non-sack tackles for loss, so it's not as if he only does the dirty work. When needed, he can finish a play on his own.
Motor
Bullard plays mean, angry football, which was perfect under former head coach Will Muschamp. He has an attitude fans find endearing and doesn't mind being moved around the lineup. Anything he can do to help the team, he does it. He'll play hard instead of sulking, no matter what.
Overall
Bullard is a name most fans have heard of but don't really know. He's contributed the past three seasons but has taken a back seat to national superstars—guys like Dante Fowler Jr. in 2014. This year, however, is the season Bullard should break out in his own right. He's the leader of the Gators' front seven, which historically means good things for his NFL future.
14. Hunter Dimick, Utah
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B/R Expert Scouting
"This guy can really push the edge. I love watching him. The way he controls the tackles, pushing them back into the quarterback. And then when he gets his hands to them, he can make plays on the ball just like (former teammate Nate) Orchard."
—Michael Felder
Pass Rush
Teams who focused too much attention on Orchard paid the price because of Hunter Dimick last season. His 10 sacks were tied for No. 5 in the Pac-12; the only returning player with more was Arizona's Scooby Wright (14). He doesn't have the speed one associates with edge-rushers, but Dimick wins with size (6'3", 269 lbs), strength and active hands.
Run Defense
Dimick makes plays in the backfield and near the line of scrimmage. He's a great finisher who occupies blocks when he wants to but sheds them when he's near the ball-carrier. Utah has athletic defensive tackles who like to shoot into the backfield and make plays, which sometimes leaves the middle vulnerable. The Utes can afford to do that because they have Dimick around to clean up the mess.
Motor
Dimick is a defensive coach's dream and an offensive coach's nightmare. He psyches himself up for big games and plays like a man possessed. His attitude is infectious and gets the entire Utah defense fired up. Orchard stole the headlines (and with good reason), but Dimick deserved more praise for how this unit played in 2014.
Overall
Some will question whether Dimick is as good as his stats make him appear. So is the case with any defensive end who plays across from an All-American. But not as many teams rolled protection toward Orchard as you might expect. They knew or learned the hard way that they couldn't ignore his partner.
13. Jonathan Allen, Alabama
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's the new era of defensive end at Alabama. Generally, they've had bigger guys who take up space and are semi-athletic—Marcell Dareus types. But Jonathan Allen is different. I remember him in the 2013 Iron Bowl chasing Tre Mason down from behind. Like, that doesn't happen at Alabama."
—Barrett Sallee
Pass Rush
Jonathan Allen recorded just five sacks last season, which seems like a pretty small number. But the five offensive lines he bested—West Virginia, Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn, Ohio State—were all among the best in the country. You'd like to see him tee off on lesser competition, but Allen's combination of size (6'3", 272 lbs) and quickness makes him a threat to reach the quarterback no matter who tries to block him. He just needs to be more consistent.
Run Defense
Although he's not as big as Nick Saban's previous 3-4 ends, Allen has the strength to hold his own against the run. He doesn't make many tackles but fights on the edge and collapses plays back inside. Alabama had the No. 1 run defense in college football last season, according to the S&P+ ratings at Football Outsiders, and Allen was a key part of that.
Motor
Sallee's anecdote about the 2013 Iron Bowl, when Allen chased down a Heisman-finalist running back, is a perfect demonstration of the lineman's motor. When he's invested in a game, he gives 110 percent. If he starts giving the same effort against lesser competition, we'll boost this grade accordingly.
Overall
Allen flies under the radar despite playing for Alabama. His numbers aren't huge, and his name is indistinguishable. But Saban doesn't wan't household names, necessarily, at defensive end; he wants guys who accept their roles and make the play that results in the tackle. Allen might be quicker than his predecessors, but he plays with that same Alabama edge.
12. Kamalei Correa, Boise State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"The sacks are what we always talk about—and this young man gets lots of them—but what impresses me most is how complete of a player he is each and every week. He won't get the same publicity because he plays for Boise State, but I implore you to watch him as often as you can."
—Adam Kramer
Pass Rush
Kamalei Correa led the Mountain West with 12 sacks last season. He posted only 2.5 sacks in the first six games of the year. But he came on strong in the second half with two sacks against BYU, three against Wyoming and two against Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl. He is a classic hybrid end/linebacker with solid size (6'3", 248 lbs) and great flexibility to bend the pocket and dip around the edge.
Run Defense
Correa moves well in space and finishes plays on his own. He made 10 tackles against Arizona and finished the year with 59. He's too small to set the edge or clog gaps with consistency but finds other ways to contribute in run support. In a 3-4 system he would have to play linebacker, but as a 4-3 end he does fine.
Motor
Watching Correa gain confidence and grow into himself last season was enjoyable. He began as a semi-timid sophomore but emerged down the stretch and started playing like he knew how good he was. The newfound swagger helped with his motor and was on full display under the bright lights of the Fiesta Bowl.
Overall
Correa became a household name—at least for one night—in the Fiesta Bowl, but he'd been playing at a high level for months. He's the latest in a long line of Boise State NFL draft prospects, and his game evokes memories of former Bronco Demarcus Lawrence. Lawrence was listed at the same height and three pounds lighter than Correa before becoming a first-round draft pick. A strong junior season would put Correa on a similar path.
11. Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Louisville defenders are all just so finished. He's big enough to play in a 3-4, but he's active as a pass-rusher. I think they can move him around a little bit."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Sheldon Rankins led Louisville with eight sacks last season. That's a great total for a 6'2", 303-pound lineman who rushes as often through the middle as on the edge. He has great quickness for a man his size and can overpower certain blockers. He's a versatile rusher whom the Cardinals use all over the defensive front.
Run Defense
Rankins is even better against the run than he is at rushing the passer. When he lines up as a 5-technique, his size to hold the edge stands out. But when he kicks inside to play tackle, he is quick enough to slice through guards and centers. He had 53 tackles and 5.5 non-sack tackles for loss last season.
Motor
Rankins adopts the mindset of Louisville's defense, which perpetually plays angry and underappreciated. He's a team player who prefers—like almost every defensive lineman—to create negative plays on his own, but he works just as hard when his assignment is to leverage a gap or clog a hole.
Overall
Louisville's defense has been a treat to watch the past two seasons. Rankins played more in 2014 than in 2013, but he has made a noticeable impact both years. This season the Cardinals lose defensive ends Lorenzo Mauldin and Deiontrez Mount, so Rankins will find even more responsibility heaped onto his plate. Based on last year's performance, he can handle it.
10. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's trying to figure out who he is still. He's long and lean, but is he too small? He's kind of a tweener right now, but the potential is obviously there."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Shilique Calhoun is a consistent pass-rusher with the upside to be a great one. He posted eight sacks in 2014, including one sack in five consecutive games. He has the burst and flexibility of a rotational NFL edge-rusher, and his lanky build (6'5", 250 lbs, long arms) allows him to disengage with hand combat.
Run Defense
He doesn't boast the size of some of the other defensive ends on this list, but Calhoun is a solid run defender. He's athletic enough to split gaps and make plays in the backfield or chase down running backs in space. His NFL future might lie at linebacker, where he can play to those strengths instead of fighting to maintain gap control as a lineman. He lacks the brute size to hold the edge against bigger tackles.
Motor
Calhoun plays with a chip on his shoulder—something common at Michigan State. He ranked outside the Top 900 players in his recruiting class but has quickly proved high school scouts wrong. Too many players with Calhoun's athletic tools would coast on having...well, his athletic tools. What makes Calhoun so special is that he plays as if he's not a freak of nature.
Overall
Calhoun broke out in 2013 but stagnated as a prospect last season. He played well for a team that won 11 games, but anyone who watched the Spartans knew that it wasn't the same defense. Calhoun could afford to stagnate because he was so advanced for a sophomore two years ago. But now he needs to put all the pieces together and figure out where he fits as a player.
9. Pete Robertson, Texas Tech
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B/R Expert Scouting
"The biggest thing I noted is that he shows up every week. Tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, turnovers—he's always gonna do something. And he's a really, really good athlete."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Pete Robertson led the Big 12 with 13 sacks last season. His ability to get to the quarterback was the lone bright spot on an otherwise terrible defense. He can rush standing up or with his hand down and has ideal speed and quickness off the edge. He'll play more end than linebacker this season as Texas Tech transitions to a 4-3 defense, but there's enough meat on his frame (6'3", 239 lbs) to handle the switch.
Run Defense
Texas Tech has one of the worst run defenses in the country, and Robertson plays a role in that. He's one of the Red Raiders' better run defenders, but A) that's not saying a lot and B) he's not so much better than the rest. He's a talented athlete who chases the ball down the field and is capable of making tackles. But he lacks gap discipline and doesn't always execute his run fits. Perhaps a more permanent move to defensive end, where there is less to diagnose than at linebacker, will be just the change he needs.
Motor
It would have been easy for Robertson to get discouraged; most of his teammates clearly did. Many pegged Texas Tech as a bowl team, but instead its season fell to pieces and it fired defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt after three games. Still, Robertson showed up each week as if the Red Raiders were in the College Football Playoff. He proved he's not a fair-weather hustle guy by competing in the midst of disaster.
Overall
Robertson will play more defensive end under new coordinator David Gibbs. It remains to be seen how he holds up with his hand down more frequently, but ideologically the match makes sense. Gibbs' Houston defenses forced more turnovers over the past two years than any team in the country. Texas Tech has struggled to force turnovers, but Robertson is the type of explosive, intense, opportunistic athlete who should thrive in a more aggressive scheme.
8. Curt Maggitt, Tennessee
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's quick enough to be a pass-rushing force, but physical enough and smart enough to always be in the right place at the right time. Tennessee is gonna need him to be the quarterback of this defense."
—Barrett Sallee
Pass Rush
Curt Maggitt is one of the best pure pass-rushers in the country. Whether he lines up with his hand down or at linebacker—he could have qualified for either position—his speed off the edge and experience shedding blocks make him a hassle. According to Jack Farrell of College Football Focus, he was the third-most productive pass-rusher in the FBS last season.
Run Defense
Maggitt defends the run better as a rush linebacker than as a defensive end. He's good for the occasional non-sack tackle for loss (four in 2014) but doesn't have the frame (6'4", 252 lbs) to occupy bigger offensive linemen. Despite that, he is willing to throw his body around and works hard to execute his run fits, clog up potential holes and free up his linebackers.
Motor
Maggitt worked his butt off to return from the ACL injury that ended his 2012 season. He didn't rush himself back into action, sat out in 2013 and returned with a vengeance once he was ready. He's the emotional leader of a talented Tennessee defense, and his motor sets the tempo for everyone.
Overall
Maggitt ranks this high because of his pass-rushing prowess—but don't think he's a one-trick pony. His ability to get to the quarterback is his signature trait, but Tennessee relies on his attitude, experience and leadership as much as on his quick first step.
7. DeForest Buckner, Oregon
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I like him better than (former teammate) Arik Armstead. He might be a top-five, top-10 draft pick next year. In the 4-3 he looks like (Arizona Cardinals defensive end) Calais Campbell; but for a guy so tall, he plays with really good leverage."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
DeForest Buckner doesn't record many sacks—only 7.5 in three seasons—because he plays as a true 3-4 end. Like all the other 5-techniques on this list, he makes his biggest contribution as a space occupant. His massive frame (6'7", 290 lbs) demands attention on the outside and makes things easier on Oregon's outside linebackers. They're the ones who record all the sacks.
Run Defense
Good luck trying to push Buckner backward. The aforementioned frame (for emphasis: 6'7", 290 lbs!) makes Buckner an excellent run defender, especially when you consider his athleticism. Players built like skyscrapers should not have such excellent flexibility and understand how to win with leverage. He finished fourth on the team and third among Pac-12 linemen with 81 tackles last season.
Motor
NFL scouts watching Oregon tape to see Armstead—who eventually became a first-round draft pick—noticed the contrast between him and Buckner. Both players are walking giants, but only Buckner has the mindset to match his body. He leads by example with hard work and intensity, which helped Oregon's defense shed the "soft" label.
Overall
It's unclear why Armstead was the more well-known name (probably because of recruiting rankings), but Buckner was the better player. He returned for his senior season after gradually improving the past three years, and there's no reason to think that will stop. When Buckner becomes a household name this autumn, it might seem like he came from nowhere. But don't fall for that. He didn't. He's been doing this since he was a sophomore.
6. Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Virginia Tech consistently has guys who are high-quality football players, whom most guys who call themselves college football fans couldn't pick out of a lineup. That's Dadi Nicolas."
—Michael Felder
Pass Rush
Nicolas finished second on Virginia Tech and third in the ACC with 8.5 sacks last season. Teammate Ken Ekanem posted more (10.5 sacks), but Nicolas blew him away with 26 QB hurries (to Ekanem's 14). That is an insanely high number and a testament to Nicolas' edge-rushing. He is built like a linebacker (6'3", 227 lbs) but has long arms and understands how to use them.
Run Defense
Nicolas is a better pass-rusher than run defender, but he's solid in the latter area. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster wouldn't let him on the field if he wasn't. Even though he can't hold the edge, Nicolas contributes with his speed and athleticism. His 71 tackles were the most by an ACC lineman.
Motor
When a pure defensive end logs 71 tackles, it speaks volumes about his motor. Nicolas chases quarterbacks around the pocket and never gives up on a sack opportunity but is just as willing to run and make a play downfield. That is what separates the great pass-rushers from the great all-around football players. Nicolas is a great all-around football player.
Overall
He doesn't have great size or power, but Nicolas knows how to rush the quarterback. He's too quick for the biggest tackles and sound enough to rip past the quick ones. More people would know him had Virginia Tech not faded during conference play last season. Ohio State will have its hands full in the much-awaited season opener September 7.
5. Shawn Oakman, Baylor
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B/R Expert Scouting
"For a guy his size, I think he disappears at times on film. And it's not just being picky and saying, 'Oh, he took a play off.' Oakman, I think, takes games off."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Shawn Oakman recorded 11 sacks last season and ended the year with five in his final four games. He is built like an NBA power forward crossed with a Transformer (6'9", 275 lbs) and can rip past offensive tackles of all sizes and builds. His production comes in spurts, but last year he outplayed Le'Raven Clark of Texas Tech (the No. 7 offensive lineman on our list) and recorded a sack against Jack Conklin of Michigan State (No. 3), so at least he didn't pad his stats against no-names.
Run Defense
Size is Oakman's biggest strength in run support, although it's also sometimes a weakness. He can dominate the edge and drive blockers into the backfield and ruin offensive plays but sometimes plays too high and loses with leverage. If he works on his technique and mechanics and doesn't allow opponents to use his size against him, there's no limit to how good he can be. For now, though, he is still a work in progress.
Motor
Here is where Oakman loses points. Miller is not the only scout who questions the big fella's motor. Someone so big and strong should not disappear on film; he should make his presence painfully obvious. Too often he drifts and is content making one big splash play and then coasting. If he fixes that in 2015…watch out.
Overall
Oakman is a controversial player. He went viral for his size during the Cotton Bowl, and his stats look roughly as good as his measurables. Despite that, he's surrounded by questions. Is he really as good as everyone says he is? Does he care enough to give his best on a weekly basis? No one doubts his potential to become an All-American and top-10 draft pick. But plenty of people doubt he will ever get there.
4. Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"What I like about [Emmanuel] Ogbah is he's obviously quick off the edge, but he also has an NFL body. He's just so pro-ready with his quickness and his strength."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Ogbah led the Big 12 with 78 sack yards last season. His 11 sacks were tied for No. 2 in the conference and included takedowns of Jameis Winston (Florida State), Trevone Boykin (TCU) and Bryce Petty (Baylor). He has a muscular frame (6'4", 275 lbs) and great speed but also an underrated collection of pass-rushing moves.
Run Defense
Ogbah is a very good run defender with the potential to be even better. He is strong enough to hold his place on the edge but doesn't push into the backfield as often as one might expect. If he learns to play lower and generates more strength in run defense, he can turn this "very good" into a "great." The physical tools are there, but his technique in run support lags behind his technique in the pass rush.
Motor
Ogbah flashed his motor in last year's season-opening loss to Florida State. He didn't maintain that intensity on a weekly basis but brought the juice enough to earn high marks. He is terrifying when he plays the way he did against the Seminoles; he just needs to reach that level more consistently.
Overall
Oklahoma State was down last year, which hurt Ogbah's national profile. Had the Cowboys won as many games as usual, he would be more of a household name. Coaches selected him as the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year over Shawn Oakman, Malcom Brown and other more recognizable players. If he repeats last year's success, he won't fly under the radar for long.
3. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I was surprised by him last year, because I thought he would just be a pass-rushing specialist—and he was. But toward the end of the year, it started to click in his head that he could also outmuscle people against the run. And that's a huge piece of the puzzle."
—Barrett Sallee
Pass Rush
Myles Garrett recorded 11.5 sacks as a true freshman, placing second in the SEC behind Shane Ray and breaking Jadeveon Clowney's conference freshman sack record. Those numbers are admittedly misleading—only three sacks came against SEC opponents, and eight came against Lamar, Rice and Louisiana-Monroe—but the speed Garrett showcased off the edge was no joke. He's still a work in progress, but no defensive end in college football has more upside. His combination of size (6'5", 262 lbs), length and speed is ideal for rushing the quarterback.
Run Defense
Although he arrived as the No. 2 overall recruit, Garrett was billed as raw against the run. He had college-ready size and speed but didn't understand the nuances of pushing the pocket, holding the edge and crashing down. But it didn't take long for him to put those pieces together, and by the end of the season he was one of the Aggies' top run defenders. Granted, that isn't saying much, but it was still a pleasant surprise. If he learns to play a little bit lower, there's no telling how good he can be.
Motor
Garrett is a high-energy player who chases quarterbacks outside the pocket and makes occasional downfield tackles. He disappears if opponents corral him early, but if he gets into a rhythm, watch out. 9.5 of his 11.5 sacks and all 10 of his QB hurries came in wins, which is both encouraging (he smells blood and attacks) but also slightly problematic (is he only a front-runner?).
Overall
Garrett lived up to the hype after blossoming during his senior year of high school and becoming one of the nation's top recruits. Based on his current trajectory, he's on the verge of becoming an All-American. The way he padded stats against Lamar, Rice and Louisiana-Monroe makes him slightly overrated, but he was better than his stats showed in conference play. Any way you crunch it, he's a stud.
2. Derek Barnett, Tennessee
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I love this kid. He is so good. He stepped in last year on a defensive line that was completely rebuilt and was a bona fide three-down force."
—Barrett Sallee
Pass Rush
Derek Barnett recorded 10 sacks and eight quarterback hurries as a true freshman. And unlike Myles Garrett, who padded his stats against nonconference opponents, his best work came in SEC play. He had three sacks at Ole Miss and three sacks plus two hurries at South Carolina—both opponents who feature strong offensive line play. His speed off the edge is dangerous and will only improve as he learns to transfer his size (6'3", 257 lbs) into power.
Run Defense
Although he doesn't always hold the edge, Barnett is a plus against the run. He led the SEC with 10.5 non-sack tackles for loss, which is a testament to his speed through the line. He has the frame to occupy blockers and free up his linebackers, and at times he did those things successfully. If he improves on a down-to-down basis—which is reasonable to expect from a sophomore—he has the tools of a very good run defender.
Motor
Barnett plays with a nonstop motor and never gives up on a play. His mindset allowed him to perform just as well (if not better) on the road than at home, which is rare for any player and especially so for a freshman. Intensity and effort travel better than technique and discipline. Barnett has the first two to spare.
Overall
Garrett was the 5-star prospect and stole headlines for breaking Jadeveon Clowney's freshman sack record. But Barnett was the best freshman in the conference, both statistically (note the tackles for loss) and on the field. With Curt Maggitt returning on the outside and Kahlil McKenzie arriving at defensive tackle, teams will not have the luxury of double-teaming Barnett, no matter how much they might want to. His numbers should improve accordingly.
1. Joey Bosa, Ohio State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"'Prototypical.' That's the word that comes to mind when you think about him. There's not a whole lot to be upset about."
—Matt Miller
Pass Rush
Joey Bosa can rush from any spot on the defensive line. He's quick off the edge and has a library of advanced moves with his hands but also has the size (6'6", 275 lbs) and brute strength to push smaller blockers into the backfield. Check what happened at the end of last year's Penn State game when the Nittany Lions made the mistake of blocking Bosa with a running back. You think they'd like to have that one back?
Run Defense
As good as he is as a pass-rusher, Bosa's even better against the run. He disengages when linemen try to control him, then he sets the edge and funnels runs inside. But more than just helping his teammates, Bosa also makes stops on his own. He has 11 non-sack tackles for loss in his last 19 games.
Motor
Bosa is a wild man whose energy sets the tone for Ohio State's defense. He plays through the whistle and gets extra amped up for big games. The only reason he didn't shine brighter in the College Football Playoff (five tackles in two games) is because teams went to extraordinary lengths to block him. And despite that, he still found a way to contribute.
Overall
Try to find a flaw in Bosa's game. It honestly might be impossible. He led the Big Ten in sacks (13.5) last year despite being stronger as a run defender than a pass-rusher. He's 275 pounds but can still do standing backflips. He can slide into multiple positions in multiple defensive systems. The only red flag is his suspension for the season opener at Virginia Tech—but even that is a minor concern. He's the type of player defensive coaches dream about.
Note: All slides written by B/R contributor Brian Leigh. You can contact the author on Twitter or find his email address on his profile page.
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